A complete, simple, and reliable guide for couples in Ontario.
A Marriage Certificate is the official legal document that proves a marriage took place in Ontario. Many couples confuse it with the “Record of Solemnization” they receive on the wedding day — but that paper is NOT a legal certificate.
Your certificate is issued only by ServiceOntario after your marriage has been registered.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
-What a marriage certificate is-Who can apply
-How to apply online or in person
-Costs & processing timelines
-How to replace or correct a certificate
-How to change your last name after marriage
What Is a Marriage Certificate?
A Marriage Certificate includes:
-Names of both spouses-Date of marriage
-Place of marriage
It is required for:
-Changing your last name-Divorce proceedings
-Immigration applications
-Estate settlement
-Government records
Important:
The paper given by your officiant on your wedding day is NOT the official certificate.
Before You Order a Marriage Certificate
Your marriage must first be registered with the Province of Ontario.
Your officiant is responsible for:
-Completing the marriage licence-Getting all the required signatures
-Submitting it to ServiceOntario
Registration usually takes up to 8 weeks after the wedding.
Who Can Order a Marriage Certificate?
You may apply if you are:
-One of the individuals who got married-A child of one of the spouses
-A parent of either spouse
-A legally authorized representative
If the person is deceased, a next of kin may apply.
Only the married individuals can apply for a Certified Copy of the Marriage Registration unless a court order allows otherwise.
How to Order a Marriage Certificate Online
You will need:
-Full names of both spouses-Dates of birth
-Date of marriage
-City or town where the marriage occurred
Apply online:
ServiceOntario Online Certificate Application
Ordering In-Person or By Mail
If you prefer to apply physically, you can visit:
Toronto
47 Sheppard Avenue East, 4th Floor
Ottawa
110 Laurier Avenue West
Or you can mail the application to:
ServiceOntario, P.O. Box 4600, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6L8
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Certificate
You can easily order a replacement online using the same application process.
Correcting Information on Your Marriage Certificate
If you notice an error (name spelling, date, etc.):
-Request a Registration Amendment Form-Submit identity documents
-Wait for the updated information to be processed
Corrections apply to future certificates issued after the update.
How to Change Your Last Name After Marriage
In Ontario, you may:
1. Assume Your Spouse’s Last Name (Free)
-No cost-Faster
-Your original birth certificate stays the same
Needed: Marriage Certificate + valid ID
You can update documents like:
-Health Card-Driver’s Licence
-Ontario Photo Card
-Banking records
-CRA and Service Canada accounts
2. Legal Name Change
If you want a formal, legal name change instead of assuming the surname, you must apply through a separate legal process and pay the province’s fee.
Search Letter or Letter of Proof (If You Don't Know the Date of Marriage)
You can request:
-Search Letter: Verifies whether a marriage is registered-Letter of Proof: Shows whether you have been married in Ontario
Useful for:
-Marrying outside Canada-Immigration processes
-Legal documentation
Cost: $15 per 5-year search period
Emergency or Expedited Certificate Requests
This service is available only if:
-The marriage is already registered-You provide proof of urgency (e.g., medical need, travel, immigration hearing, employment requirement)
Cost: $45 + $30 urgency fee
Delivery: 5 business days
Further Reading & Official Resources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information about marriage certificates, processing times, fees, emergency services, and online applications, please visit the official Government of Ontario page:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-get-copy-ontario-marriage-certificate-online
This official resource provides detailed instructions directly from ServiceOntario, including online application steps, required documents, and current processing timelines.
Reference
Government of Ontario – ServiceOntario
“How to Get a Copy of an Ontario Marriage Certificate Online”
https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-get-copy-ontario-marriage-certificate-online
About the Author
Saeid Rabiei Majd is a government-authorized and Ontario licensed marriage officiant providing professional wedding ceremony and legal marriage signing services across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, including Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, North York, Mississauga, Brampton, Aurora, Newmarket, and Barrie.
Through Ontaris Wedding Services, he helps couples complete their marriage process smoothly, legally, and professionally.
Book Your Legal Marriage Signing
If you are planning to get married in Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area, Ontaris Wedding Services provides professional and licensed marriage officiant services.
We assist couples across:
Toronto
Vaughan
Richmond Hill
Markham
North York
Brampton
Mississauga
Scarborough
Aurora
Newmarket
Barrie
Phone / WhatsApp
+1 437-967-5747
+1 437-882-5901
